Oceanside Community Advisor Named State Classified School Employee of the Year

Maria “Lisa” Lopez was named the California Classified School Employee of the Year in the Clerical and Administrative Services category today.

The school community advisor at César Chávez Middle School in Oceanside Unified School District is a respectful, passionate advocate for families. She tries to see the request behind every complaint, truly looking for ways to improve systems in such a way as to benefit families. A brave leader, she does not shy away from challenging conversations, instead entering them with compassion and integrity.

For the 2023–24 school year, Lopez partnered with the new César Chávez assistant principal to increase family engagement and trust on issues related to student support and discipline. They heard families voice concerns about the lack of communication on these topics and worked together to call every family when a student was in the office for any reason.

Lopez provides consistent, high-quality support and service and whether she is speaking to families in front of supervisors or from her office out of earshot, she treats all of them with dignity, respect, and care.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond will honor Lopez as one of nine classified school employees at a luncheon in Sacramento on May 22.

“Congratulations on your hard work, dedication, and time supporting and investing in our students,” Thurmond said. “These employees deserve this incredible honor, and I’m proud to celebrate them with this statewide recognition.”

Along with Lopez, the San Diego County finalists for County Classified School Employee of the Year are:

• Information Technology: Lenny D'Angelo (Countywide Winner), Grossmont Union High School District
• Custodial and Maintenance Services: Michelle Loibl, Cajon Valley Union School District  
• Paraprofessional Services: Kathia Lopez, San Diego County Office of Education
• Security Services: Terry Williams, San Ysidro School District
• Skilled Trade Services: Moises Mayoral, South Bay Union School District

The annual Classified School Employees of the Year program honors outstanding classified school employees in the following categories: Clerical and Administrative Services, Custodial and Maintenance Services, Food and Nutrition Services, Health and Student Services, Paraprofessional Services, Security Services, Skilled Trades Services, Technical Services, and Transportation Services. This year’s recipients were chosen from 135 nominations statewide.

“Our classified employees are the ones who make sure that kids have healthy meals, who keep our campuses clean and safe, and who lend a sympathetic ear to students during some of the most difficult times in their lives,” Thurmond said. “It’s an incredible honor to spotlight these outstanding employees, and the significant impact they make on our students, schools, districts, and their communities.”

A selection committee evaluates the applications using eligibility criteria and performance documentation in work performance, school and community involvement, leadership and commitment, local support from colleagues who speak to the nominee’s exemplary work, enhancement of classified school employees’ image in the community and the school, and any other areas the school deems exceptional and pertinent to the award.

For decades, the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) has recognized classified school employees from across the region for their commitment to providing safe, enriching environments for our students. Every year, classified employees representing all 42 county districts are invited to apply for San Diego County Classified School Employee of the Year.